Peer Review: Mini Course

What I Did ✅:

Below you will find the instructions for peer review of a mini-course that we designed using the online learning platform that Kutztown University uses called Desire To Learn (D2L). This was my first experience with navigating the back end of an online course and what goes into the design elements as well as the ease of navigation. I also included my peer review of a classmate as this process was a key element to reflecting on our own work. The student that I was assigned to review had worked very hard on his course and it was an overall well thought out design and contained key content and nice flow but there are always areas to improve which is why peer review is so helpful. A second opinion or extra set of editing eyes when looking at a final product is a great tool in self reflection and growth.

What I Learned 🧠:

It can be humbling to review a peer's efforts and successes when you yourself may not feel as though you are qualified to do so. I felt very self-conscious and felt the desire to reflect on his work in a professional manner, with respect and honesty, but also wanting to give him valuable opinions on where I felt he could grow and make changes for improvements. Much like student grading and parent-teacher conferences, there is a place for balance with feedback and praise, and acknowledgment. Feedback should be useful and valued. Feelings need to be put aside in order to have an objective perspective. I also found it very helpful to have an outline of "look for's" from the Professor because setting clear expectations and having a comprehensive review helps both parties involved.

How I Will Grow 🌱:

Completing a peer review will help me prepare for student reviews and conversations with families as well as reviewing future colleagues' work in the school district. Peer reviews are a great opportunity for one's own self-reflection and professional growth. I will grow as a professional and hopefully remember that one person's opinion doesn't define who I am. There is always room for growth in accepting your weaknesses and learning from your mistakes. I will also be pursuing further Act 48 credits that pertain to the ISTE standards.